Former Marseille manager Marcelino rejects offers from Sevilla and Saudi Arabia
Marcelino, who left Olympique de Marseille in September after just seven official games as manager of the Ligue 1 club, has revealed that he has since rejected two offers.
The Spaniard replaced Igor Tudor at OM in the summer, however, his side struggled for form in the early part of the season. Les Phocéens fell at the first hurdle as they attempted to qualify for the UEFA Champions League group stages, and despite remaining unbeaten in his five Ligue 1 appearances, Marseille only won twice in the league under his tenure.
Marcelino’s reign was brought to a premature end following a 0-0 draw against Toulouse. OM’s executives were the subject of insults and threats from fan groups during a face-to-face meeting. Whilst many of the executives, including Pablo Longoria stepped back temporarily, director of football Javier Ribalta never truly returned. His departure was officialised in October.
However, Marcelino’s departure was almost immediate, and it was Jacques Abardonado who took interim charge against Ajax just days later. The Spaniard has since been given opportunities to return to management. Speaking to Cadena COPE, Marcelino revealed that he had a conversation with Sevilla, however, he ultimately chose not to take the job. “The conditions for this new project weren’t right. The offer [was for] one season and when I was there (2011/12), I say that the projects that worked were those that lasted,” he said.
Marcelino added that he also received an offer from Saudi Arabia last week, but he said that he didn’t even consider the proposition.
GFFN | Luke Entwistle
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